Rapid Insights: Cross Reveals the Key to Blending IP with Character Depth
On November 14, a riveting new crime thriller premiered on Amazon Prime Video that expertly brings a blockbuster series of James Patterson novels to life. The show follows Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and D.C. homicide detective, as he investigates and pursues some of America’s most dangerous killers.
Here’s what you need to know about Cross:
Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding
Who’s been tuning in for this new adaptation?
We’re seeing an audience that’s gender-balanced (51% men / 49% women) and heavily aged 30+ (76%)–a viewership profile similar to that of True Detective, but not as female-skewing as other cop-led crime dramas like The Killing, Bosch, Luther, and The Sinner (all 55-70% women).
How important are the books in drawing viewers?
Extremely. The fact that Cross is based on Patterson’s vastly popular ongoing novel series (Based on a Book, 150) is the show’s #1 ratings draw–a much higher ranking than is typical for streaming book adaptations. Fans are watching to see actor Aldis Hodge embody their favorite fictional detective and, together with his rock-solid partner, navigate the sometimes treacherous world of policing as Black men (Black POV, 135).
Why else are audiences watching?
For the tension of the case. The show’s suspenseful first season sees Detective Cross tracking a psychopathic Serial Killer (133) who worships other serial killers and leaves a string of brutal murders in his wake. With Murder Violence (128) and Scary Situations (119) in full supply, Cross must risk life and limb–and his own family–to take down this dangerous predator (Bravery, 119), and viewers will be reveling in the resulting sense of Fear (118) and Aggressiveness (117) that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
What’s making the series so bingeworthy?
Cross’s personal life. Viewers are sticking around to see the Genius (128) detective grapple with a host of Trauma & Tragedy (121)–his beloved wife is murdered–and complicated family situations. The Grief-stricken (160) Cross carries the pain of this loss into his professional life as well as dealings with his children, and audiences will be pulled into this character-focused aspect of the series.
How does the show’s social buzz look?
Robust. Though early chatter was muted, with Cross’s full-season drop on Amazon nearly two weeks ago, the series skyrocketed to the top of our social buzz meter (to 160) and has remained there ever since. The online sphere is texting and tweeting about Cross’s personal life and his struggles with grief.
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